The game started off with HSE coming out of the gates hot thanks to Ty Scholl and Greg Miller, who sparked them to a 9-4 advantage early. But with North Central and their press forcing turnovers, the visitors were able to claw their way back into the game, eventually taking a 20-18 lead after the opening eight minutes thanks to a Wes Stowers triple just before the horn.

 

The second quarter was similar to the first as North Central's pressure and athleticism forced the tempo, but Zach Gunn was able to assert himself by getting to the foul line and converting on his way to ten first half points. Kris Wilkes and Wes Stowers combined for 20 first half points for the Wildcats as they took a 38-29 lead into the locker room. 

 

Coming out for the second half, NC cranked up the intensity and in turn began to stretch their advantage. "I do think we had a lull tonight," said NC boss Doug Mitchell, "came out not as focused, talked about it at half, and I think to a man corrected it."  The leader of this attack was senior point guard Wes Stowers, who made four threes in the second and third quarters and connected on a couple of assists to open the gap.  Zach Gunn struggled to finish, but HSE was able to score thanks to the play of senior guard Chris Ford, who came off the bench to give the home squad a spark.

 

The final quarter saw each team play out the string and empty their benches with a couple minutes remaining.

 

 

 

North Central                20 18 14 16 -  68

Hamilton Southeastern 18 11  6 16  -  51

 

NC: Wes Stowers 16 points (5-11 FGs, 4-6 3Ps), Tyrie Johnson 15 points (5-10 FGs), Kris Wilkes 14 points (4-10 FGs), Jared Clark 7 points, Carl Drummer 7 points, Caleb Brown 4 points, Carter Herman 2 points, Mateo Rivera 2 points, Emmanuel Little 1 point

 

HSE: Zach Gunn 14 points (3-15 FGs, 8-9 FTs) 11 rebounds, Chris Ford 8 points 3 assists, Greg Miller 8 points, Ty Scholl 7 points, Tiger Guillroy 5 points, Austin Holzum 3 points, Brennan Schofield 2 points, Carter Poiry 1 point